Hurricane Irene Update - Thursday 11:00 AM - 9/1/2011

At this time, approximately one thousand two hundred (1,200) Naugatuck residents do not have power. At least two (2) Connecticut Light and Power crews are currently working in Naugatuck to restore power. It is hoped that many of these customers will have power restored today, but that is not guaranteed, and there still will be isolated power outages throughout the Borough that will need to be fixed individually. Residents are asked to prepare accordingly and assist neighbors if possible.

Residents can take showers and obtain drinking water at City Hill Middle School until 4:00 PM today. Residents must bring their own containers for water.

Residents may charge cell phones at any Borough building throughout Naugatuck as well as the Howard Whittemore Library, during the respective business hours of each building.

The Old Corner Café, at 178 North Main Street, will be serving a free past dinner today from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM, for all residents who are still without power. Please call Deputy Mayor Tamath Rossi, at 203-729-4865; or Tax Collector Jim Goggin, at 203-996-6675, if you would like a delivery.

Courtesy of the Red Cross, pre-packaged meals and water will be distributed at Hop Brook School, beginning at 5:00 PM, until supplies are gone.

The Red Cross will be serving approximately two hundred lunches at the Oak Terrace Senior Housing complex on Conrad Street beginning at 11:00 AM.

Please be very cautious of those who are attempting to profit from this disaster through various scams. Contact the Naugatuck Police Department at 203-729-5222, with information on suspicious activity.

Many residents have no access to phones or internet. Please inform your neighbors of this information if at all possible.

Hurricane Irene Update - Wednesday 5:45 PM - 8/31/2011

The Borough's website has been out of service most of the day as well as municipal email accounts. The following is a summary of various updates from throughout the day:

Four Connecticut Light and Power crews have been in Naugatuck attempting to restore power throughout the day. There are several identified circuits that could potentially restore power to a large number of customers once repaired. We do not know if there are additional problems within the circuit that could impact several neighborhoods. CL&P’s policy will be to prioritize repairs based on the number of houses that can be restored on each circuit. Some residents could still be without power for several days.

Residents can take showers and obtain drinking water at City Hill Middle School from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM today (8/31/2011) and tomorrow (9/1/2011). Residents must bring their own containers for water.

Residents may charge cell phones at any Borough building throughout Naugatuck as well as the Whittemore Library, during the respective business hours of each building.

Ten gallons of gas may be obtained by residents for generator purposes only at the Naugatuck Police Department from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM for TODAY, AUGUST 31, 2011, ONLY. Residents must provide a drivers license and register with the Department of Public Works by calling 203-720-7073. Residents must provide their own, approved and safe, gas container.

The Superintendent has postponed the start of Naugatuck Public Schools until Tuesday, September 6, 2011. The decision was made as a result of the uncertainty surrounding exactly when power will be restored to Borough schools and the significant amount of families without power. We thank the Superintendent for his concern for Naugatuck's students, parents, faculty and staff.

The Old Corner Cafe, 178 North Main Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770 will be serving a free dinner tomorrow, Thursday, September 1, 2011, for all residents who are still without power. Pasta, salad, bread, water and soda as well as the use of the Old Corner is being donated by Owner Beannie Ferreria. The dinner will be served from 4:30 PM until 7:30 PM. Anyone returning from work who would like to pick-up a take-out dinner or would like a delivery can contact Deputy Mayor Tamath Rossi, at 203-729-4865; or Tax Collector Jim Goggin, at 203-996-6675. Thank you to the Old Corner and all those who are making this happen. Please tell those you know who may not have internet access.

Giuseppe's Italian Pizzeria, at 1183 New Haven Road, Naugautck, CT 06770, has a regular $5.95 per person, all-you-can-eat ziti and garlic bread special every Wednesday night. Giuseppes' has agreed to reduce the price to $4.95 per person tonight, Wednesday, August 31, 2011 ONLY, for anyone who tells Scott or Matt they are out of power. This is for dine-in customers only and does not include take-out.

Residents in need of water for non-drinking, utility purposes ONLY, can go the the firehouse garage door on Old Firehouse Road where a garden house has been made available. Please bring your own containers to fill.

Thank you again for your patience.

Hurricane Irene Update - Tuesday 5:00 PM - 8/30/2011

There is currently one Connecticut Light and Power ("CL&P) crew with a tree service contractor addressing the last four (4) or five (5) spots where trees are impacting potentially dangerous lines. We have been pleading for information from CL&P regarding when crews will arrive to begin restoring power to the approximately twenty one (21%) percent of Borough residents who have been without power for over two (2) days. We have received some encouraging information, but nothing with specific times and places we can report. Once that information is available to us, it will be made available to the public. Some outages are the result of issues that, once resolved, should restore power for large numbers of residents. Those will be CL&P's priority over the next twenty four (24) hours. The connections between particular neighborhoods and the circuits that provide their power are not always in logical sequence.

City Hill Middle School will be available again on Wednesday (8/31/2011), this time from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, for residents who want to obtain drinking water from the cafeteria and/or take showers in the gym lockers. Residents must bring their own containers to fill water. Those services are available today (Tuesday - 8/30/2011) at City Hill until 8:00 PM.

The Fire Department remains open today (Tuesday - 8/30/2011) until 11:00 PM for residents who want to obtain water for UTILITY PURPOSES ONLY. This may be particularly helpful for residents who have well and septic systems. This service will also be available on Wednesday (8/31/2011) anytime after 6:30 AM until 11:00 PM. Residents must bring their own containers to fill water, which MUST NOT BE USED FOR DRINKING.

Hurricane Irene Update - Tuesday 1:00 PM - 8/30/2011

Approximately twenty one (21%) percent of Naugatuck residents remain without power as of 12:00 Noon today (8/30/2011). Connecticut Light and Power crews remain in Naugatuck cutting and clearing potentially dangerous power lines. We are hopeful the transition will begin soon to restoring power.

Residents in need of DRINKING WATER may fill containers at the cafeteria at City Hill Middle School, 641 City Hill Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770, from 12:00 Noon until 8:00 PM today, Tuesday, August 30, 2011. Residents must bring their own containers as none are available at the school.

Residents may also use the shower facilities at City Hill Middle School today (8/30/2011) from 12:00 Noon to 8:00 PM.

These services will be available for today, August 30, 2011, only. Any further use of Borough facilities after today (8/30/2011) will be announced at a future time.

Residents, particularly those on well and septic systems, who are in need of water for utility purposes ONLY, may fill water containers at the Naugatuck Fire Department, 41 Maple Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770. Residents must bring their own containers. The water MAY NOT BE USED FOR DRINKING WATER. Please call 203-720-7084 with any questions.

Hurricane Irene Update - Tuesday 10:30 AM - 8/30/2011

The Borough's recreational fields may be used today (8/30/2011). All decisions regarding practices and/or games are at the respective league's discretion.

Residents, particularly those on well and septic systems, who are in need of water for utility purposes ONLY, may fill water containers at the Naugatuck Fire Department, 41 Maple Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770. Residents must bring their own containers. The water MAY NOT BE USED FOR DRINKING WATER. Please call 203-720-7084 with any questions.

Hurricane Irene Update - Tuesday 9:30 AM - 8/30/2011

The Borough's designated Connecticut Light and Power representative will be in Naugatuck at 10:00 AM. We will be assessing progress and establishing the day's priorities.

I will post additional information later in the morning regarding any updates or projected restoration efforts. There are still line clearance issues to resolve, and we are still days away from full restoration.

Hurricane Irene Update - Monday 6:15 PM - 8/29/2011

Naugatuck is still feeling the effects from Hurricane Irene as approximately forty (40%) percent of Borough residents are without power. A Connecticut Light and Power ("CL&P) crew has been in the Borough since last evening cutting downed lines and clearing trees, and has been joined by three (3) additional crews this afternoon. We are being told that it could still be several days before power is fully restored to all areas of the Borough, but the addition of more crews is a good sign.

Residents are advised to stay away from ALL downed lines. Even cable, phone and other lines can be energized if they come in contact with power lines.

The first day of school has been rescheduled to Thursday, September 1, 2011, and will be a full day of school. Kindergarten orientation and the first day for faculty and staff has been rescheduled to Wednesday, August 31, 2011.

Basement pumping continues to be prioritized on a case-by-case basis by the Fire Department. Please contact 203-729-2234 with any questions.

Borough emergency personnel have been in constant communication to address the aftermath of Irene. A designated CL&P representative has been assigned to Naugatuck and has been working with us from the Fire Department throughout the day.

Please call 911 if you are experiencing an emergency situation. All other non-emergency, weather-related calls should be directed to 203-729-5222.

Thank you again for your patience.

Hurricane Irene School Update - Monday 5:15 PM - 8/29/2011

The start of the school year has been postponed by one (1) day. The first day of school for Naugatuck Public Schools will be Thursday, September 1, 2011, which will be a full day of school.

The first day for faculty and staff and kindergarten orientation has been rescheduled for Wednesday, August 31, 2011. Additional information will follow as it is made available.

Hurricane Irene Update - Monday 3:30 PM - 8/29/2011

Additional Connecticut Light and Power ("CL&P") crews have arrived in Naugatuck to cut and clear downed lines. We are still advising residents that it could be multiple days without power, but the presence of more crews is a very good occurrence.

Borough Public Works personnel are with CL&P crews to assist with clearance issues.

Residents are reminded to stay away from ALL downed lines. Even cable and/or phone lines can become energized if they come in contact with power lines.

Hurricane Irene Branch Disposal - Monday 11:30 AM - 8/29/2011

The Naugatuck Department of Public Works has announced that residents may bring fallen tree branches and limbs to a drop-off location behind the Naugatuck Police Station, which will be established temporarily for storm debris. Branches can be brought loose or in paper lawn and leaf bags. Paper lawn and leaf bags of leaves may also be brought to the same location. This service is for residential use only. Branches and debris from contractors will not be accepted.

Directions to drop-off are as follows Enter the Police Department driveway at 211 Spring Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770; continue straight up the hill, and follow the road to the top of the hill. A Borough Public Works employee will direct residents where to dump branches.

Leaves and branches can also be brought to the Naugatuck Recycling Center, 246 Rubber Avenue, Naugatuck, CT 06770, during regular hours on Thursday's and Saturday's from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

If you intend to use the drop-off behind the Police Station, please call the Naugatuck Department of Public Works ahead to register your name at 203-720-7071.

Hurricane Irene Update - Monday 11:00 AM - 8/29/2011

All Naugatuck recreational fields are closed on Monday (8/29/2011) due to the significant rainfall from Hurricane Irene. This only effects recreational leagues. Any decision regarding the use of high school fields for high school athletics will be made by the Athletic Director.

A decision regarding Tuesday's (8/30/2011) use for recreational fields will be made tomorrow (8/30/2011)

Hurricane Irene Update - Monday 10:45 AM - 8/29/2011

Borough emergency management personnel are currently meeting with a local Connecticut Light and Power representative that has been designated to Naugatuck. Focus today (8/29/2011) remains cutting and clearing downed wires and brush away from power lines. For those without power (our family included), restoration efforts are not likely to begin until Tuesday (8/30/2011).

No decisions about Tuesday's (8/30/2011) school schedule or any future days have been made. More information will be provided once it is available.

Hurricane Irene Update - Sunday 4:30 PM - 8/28/2011

The major portion of Hurricane Irene has left the area. Isolated wind gusts are expected to end by this evening. The vehicular travel ban was revoked as of 2:00 PM, but numerous roads still possess downed power lines and trees. Residents are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution while driving and respect all areas that have been restricted by Borough personnel. Please do not drive through standing water.

We are currently waiting for Connecticut Light and Power crews to assist Borough personnel with downed power lines and the removal of debris impacting repair. Stay away for all downed power lines. It is expected that efforts to restore power will not begin until at least Monday.

Basement flooding issues are being prioritized by the Fire Department. While several, problem flooding areas still exist, significant rainfall has ended and the Naugatuck River is currently receding.

The Emergency Operations Center will close as of 5:00 PM today. Borough public safety and public works crews will continue to respond to weather-related events throughout the evening and into tomorrow. Please call 911 if you are experiencing an emergency situation. All other non-emergency, weather-related calls should be directed to 203-729-5222.

Regular trash and recycling pick-up will proceed as planned on Monday.

While much work remains in the coming days, Naugatuck has survived Hurricane Irene without injury to any of our residents or employees. Thank you on behalf of the Borough for your collective strength, cooperation and continued patience.

Hurricane Irene Update - Sunday 2:00 PM - 8/28/2011

The ban on vehicular travel on Naugatuck roads has been revoked as of 2:00 PM. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution when driving as downed electrical lines, trees and other debris remain potential hazards on numerous roads. Additional storm winds are predicted throughout the remainder of the afternoon which could create additional problems for motorists.

Hurricane Irene Update - Sunday 12:00 Noon - 8/28/2011

The worst of Hurricane Irene has moved past Naugatuck and the storm is currently exiting the area. Heavy rains and strong winds will likely continue through this afternoon.

Naugatuck Public Safety and Public Works crews have returned to the field and will begin addressing the most serious ramifications of the storm. Tree and road clearance will begin and preliminary assessments of damage are currently underway. The travel ban on Naugatuck roads will remain in effect until emergency safety personnel determine that vehicular travel is safe in the Borough.

Those residents who have lost power may be without electricity for the next couple days. Connecticut Light and Power ("CL&P") crews will soon return to the field. The initial priorities will be to remove downed power line and clear damaged trees and brush away from wires. Please stay away from all downed lines. Once the response to safety concerns is completed, the focus will shift to restoring power. While record numbers of CL&P crews are prepared to respond, this will take time given the number of outages throughout the state.

Please contact 911 with any life-threatening emergencies. Should you need to report any weather related issues, please call 203-729-5222. The Borough appreciates everyone’s cooperation throughout Hurricane Irene and your continued patience in its aftermath.

Hurricane Irene Update - Sunday 10:30 AM - 8/28/2011

No one but emergency management personnel should be driving in Naugatuck. Several roads are closed and can not be passed. Residents should remain in their homes until Hurricane Irene completely passes the area.

Borough public safety and public works crews will be returning to the field shortly. The priority for the Fire Department will be assessing any life hazard issues, primarily downed lines and other electrical issues.Basement flooding issues will be addressed after all life-threatening matters are under control.

The Police Department will be in a support role at this time assisting with traffic control and road closures.

Public works crews will begin clearing trees that are not associated with downed lines and making preliminary flood assessments.

Changes to Monday (8/29/2011) School Schedule - 08/27/2011

The first day of the new Naugatuck school year for faculty and staff, originally scheduled for Monday, August 29, 2011, has been postponed to Tuesday, August 30, 2011. Additional changes to the school calendar resulting from Hurricane Irene will be made and announced on a day-to-day basis.

Hurricane Irene Update Friday 11:30 AM – 8/26/2011

Borough officials representing all pertinent departments met this morning to discuss preparations for Hurricane Irene, which is scheduled to reach Connecticut sometime in late morning or early afternoon on Sunday (8/28/2011). As many of you know, hurricanes are difficult to predict with precise accuracy regarding timing, location and severity. Please continue to monitor the latest weather forecasts as they become available. A good site with forecast information is StormPulse.com, which can be accessed by linking here.

The most important thing all residents can do is to be prepared individually for Hurricane Irene. Governor Dannel P. Malloy has devoted an entire page on the state’s website containing pertinent information regarding hurricane announcements, preparation, resources and forecasts.

Preparations should be made now for Hurricane Irene. Stores are already emptying of basic supplies such as non-perishable foods, bottled water, batteries and other important items that can help residents survive during power outages that are expected to impact the entire state. Residents who may be living alone are urged to make preparations to stay with relatives during the duration of the storm if at all possible. Residents with cell phones and/or mobile computing devices are advised to ensure batteries are charged completely. If possible, regular or “land-line” phone that do not require electricity to function should be kept available.

The Borough does not have facilities with back-up power supplies to shelter large numbers of residents. The best practice is “shelter-at-home” unless there is a true emergency situation. Individual evacuations will be made on a case-by-case basis in life-threatening situations by trained emergency management personnel. Please remember that this weather event will not be isolated to Naugatuck, and other communities will be struggling to respond. Mutual aid from other municipalities will be limited if at all during the brunt of the storm. Regional efforts, many through the Red Cross, will be coordinated for the aftermath. Residents who use life support devices that require electricity may call 911 during power outages if emergency power is needed. Limited space is available at various locations throughout the Borough and decisions and placements will be made by trained emergency management personnel on a case-by-case basis.

Severe flooding is extremely likely regardless of the ultimate direction Irene takes. While Department of Public Works (”DPW”) crews are taking all precautionary measures to lessen the impact of flooding, there will be no way to prevent flooding if we receive the amounts of rain (some forecasts include ten to fifteen inches of rain) predicted. Limited sand bags are available at the Department of Public Works and will be rationed at the discretion of the Borough. The Recycling Center will be open during regular hours on Saturday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Residents who have the means to purchase bags privately may fill limited amounts of bags from the available sand at the Recycling Center during such hours, again at the discretion of the Borough. DPW needs to maintain significant amounts of sandbags for public use to respond to incidents during and after the storm. Despite the stressful conditions, we ask residents to be mindful and respectful of others when requesting and ultimately using sandbags.

The Borough will activate our Emergency Operations Center from the Naugatuck Police Department beginning on Sunday (8/28/2011) at 10:00 AM. A state of emergency will be declared effective on 12:00 Noon, Saturday, August 27, 2011. Such a declaration allows the Borough the authority to procure any necessary contractors outside the regular bidding process to respond effectively to storm-related issues. Other powers allowed to the mayor by the declaration would be implemented on an as-needed basis.

At the time Irene reaches the Borough in full impact, it may be impossible for the Borough to respond to all but life-threatening situations. Emergency management recommendations urge municipalities not to place public safety and public works personnel in wind conditions that exceed seventy (70) miles per hour (”mph”). Residents are urged to contact 911 only for true, life-threatening emergencies. Please remember to stay away from all downed power lines.